Women in the City: Skanska\'s Katy Dowding on Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Skanska's Katy Dowding has won the Women of Achievement Award at a benchmark London event, after becoming a standout example of breaking through a traditionally male dominated sector to reach a senior level, while also inspiring others.

Speaking at the Women in the City awards event to IBTimes TV, Dowding explains how she has managed to smash through the proverbial glass ceiling and become an icon for women in predominantly male industry.

"I am a strong supporter of women in business, particularly in the facilities and construction sectors," said Dowding, managing director of Skanska's Facilities Services operation.

"I hope this award encourages fellow women in my industry to be brave - to be yourself, develop your skills and grab those opportunities when they come along. Thank you to all of those people who have helped me over the years."

Dowding manages a business with 600 employees and turnover of £70m which operates mostly in the defence, healthcare, education and commercial sectors.

She is only the second woman to hold a Managing Director role in Skanska UK and the first for the facilities business.